The Boxster "Affair"
 

Figured to share my story here in the acquisition of my first Porsche since others might find themselves in a similar position.

I am 47, a middle school science teacher with German family heritage. Like every other kid in high school, I dreamed of a 911 with the whale tail. Throughout the years I have owned a few nice rides, of which, only maybe 1 or 2 seemed approaching exactly what I was looking for at the time. I have had a chance to drive a few Porsche's over the years, a 928, 944 and a liquid cooled 911. I loved all of them but figured owning one was really just never practical or was just plain out of reach financially.

So a few months ago, I get tired of paying to fix my PT Cruiser convertible while it continues to depreciate, and while on the way home from work I see an 03 987 sitting on a dealer lot, and thought, MAN, that's a nice ride, I am SO pulling in there to check it out. Knowing I shouldn't, I take it for a spin....BAD idea. I knew it would be nice, but I honestly had no idea I would be as impressed as I was. Bummed, I knew this one was out of my $$ range but I immediately saw why they were rated so highly as a used car. I honestly liked it better than the 911 I had driven several years ago. Knowing my wife's likely response to my endeavor, I avoid telling her of my experience for a few days, but finally spill it out and it meets the exact reception I thought it would. So, bummer for me, I accept my fate that it won't happen. But, I just can't leave well enough alone, and I find myself thinking, "I know I could get this done for less $", so I keep poking around quietly trying to find one that might be more acceptable. A couple cars of test-driving later, I run into a 99 Ocean Blue Metallic with Sport Classic 18" wheels on it in beautiful shape on the other side of town and buckle, knowing I would forever regret it if I DIDN'T exchange for the relatively low price that it could be done at. Basically, just drive home with it and roll the dice on what's going to happen at home....NOT a good idea.

So, now I am in a fix....every time I get in this car, I think, "MAN, this is a fantastic machine". I love it more and more with each mile I put on. I want to work on it, do small things, and I find myself in conflict with my wife, who simply refuses to get in it, or to accept my fascination with it. Again, Bummer for me. There are SO many things that argue against the practicality of the car as a daily driver for me. But, for every argument against, I find that there is a counter point to suit that argument and that I see myself owning like 5 more of these things in the future. Never been in this spot with a car before. So, I am caught in the Porsche web that it seems like no one but myself and those here on the forum might understand. I wish it were different, but I find myself staring out my window looking at the car in my driveway thinking, "Don't I have to go SOMEwhere today?"

Mike

Many of us have similar stories. The details vary, but the motivations and feelings are the same.

I expect that the majority of people on this board are not the original owners of their 986's. The population that buys these cars "pre-owned" may have other priorities for spending their resources. Although the 986 is not the newest and best performing Porsche, it is still far ahead of most other vehicles on the road. You didn't say what you spent on your car, but I doubt it was much more than the cost of a used compact car. Remember that someone probably spent over $45k for that car when it was new.

I usually make one or two upgrades or repairs to my car each year. The technical support and affirmation that I have received and that you can expect on this board are invaluable.

We understand you. Enjoy your car.

What is it with science teachers having nice cars? (Walter whites Aztec excluded)

Enjoy the car! We would love to see some pictures!

Many years ago I owned a Harley Sportster that I bought brand new when I was single. It had custom gold leaf and pinstriped paint with the Harley Eagle sissy bar. I put chrome drag pipes on it and rode it to Mexico and had leather hand tooled saddle bags with the Harley Eagle made for it. I loved riding it and made up things to do just to get on it.
After a couple of years owning it I got married and my new wife didn't like the bike. It was too loud and too dangerous for her and she wouldn't go near it. I finally gave in and sold the bike and bought her a nice ring with the money from the sale.
Our marriage didn't last and now she's gone and so's the bike and I sure do miss that bike.

I LOVE my wife
 

As I was clicking through literally hundreds of used Miatas, looking for my 5th one, I was doing a search for convertibles within 100 miles of me and I lingered on the photo of an Arena Red '98 that I was drooling over. My wife looks over my shoulder and says, "Wow, that's a fine looking car - what is it?" I explain what it is and she says, "Get it if you can!".

So I did.

Fast forward a few weeks and we're sitting in it waiting for a light to go green. She says, "That guy in the car next to us is staring at me." To which I reply, "Baby, he's not looking at you - - he's looking at the CAR!"

A week later when she starts talking to me again, we have a good laugh about whether I love the car more than I love her.

Just spent an hour up at the car wash doing it all by hand. Man those wheels are a PITA to clean, but they are the exact ones I wanted on there.

$ wise...hard to estimate maybe since I traded vs. buying it outright, but all in, probably somewhere around 9k...Of the four that I drove, this one was the cheapest and the oldest, but it will still do WAY more than I am willing to try behind the wheel. I have "tested it" enough to determine that much. :)

Has the mid level sound package which I will likely upgrade, cruise, heated seats (which work awesome btw), a fresh top, and a pretty fresh set of PS2's all around. It will eventually need me to do some wrenching on it, like rotors, brake pads, etc...but all cars will need that, and I have discovered that parts don't always have to be as crazy expensive as I thought they might be, thanks to the forums here.

Here's some pics from the online ad....

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01/rv+31419177963.jpg


http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01/rv+11419177999.jpg


http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01/rv+21419178048.jpg

ROTFL, Thanks. I needed that. :)

I don't know, kind of seems like there may be deeper problems and she's using the car as an easy outlet. I'm no therapist but I don't think any toy is worth risking the end of real love. You may have to let go for now. It will be heart breaking every time you see someone else with one but remember, sure, they have a wife but you have a Porsche!

Well said Chris :) I see what you did there.:cheers:

Ah the wife
 

Hi wulf,

A suggestion
Google Porsche Club Of America. (PCA)
Join the local chapter Worth the small
Amount of dues. invite the wife to
A social event. In the spring take her along
To a picnic or sign you both up for a
Car Control Clinic. You can both use the
same car. Nothing special needs to be done
Really to the car other than a general safety
inspection. Just remove lose items in the car.
No helmets required. Very small fee to enter.
I bet the local club would
Very glad to help. Tell her you
Signed her up for CCC until the night
Before.

Bill

A good thought Bill. I am discovering some of these things as I go along here in my first few months. We have a fantastic private track south of town that I have really wanted to check out. I know the PCA here does some stuff there. Problem with the wife would be first just getting her INTO the car...which has presented a hurdle such that I don't quite understand. My unilateral decision making process certainly has something to do with that fact I am thinking. :rolleyes:

It would have been so much easier to just trade for something else and be done with it, but the longer I have spent behind the wheel, the less likely I have found myself to do that.

Here's all of the arguments and counters so far....

"it's a bad winter car"...actually it's been a great cold weather car so far
"it's expensive to own"....actually it seems like it will be less than or equal to my last car
"insurance will kill you"...actually it's 20% less than what I was paying
"you can't even work on it"...actually it's really well engineered for that
"you don't need a race car"....it's NOT a race car!!
"there's only 2 seats"...but tons of storage space and lots of leg room and I don't have kids
"it's expensive"....it's less than a poor quality compact car
"the depreciation will kill you"....however it works out, it will cost me less in depreciation than my last 3 cars have.
"you have to use premium gas"....it gets great mileage
"tire cost alone will kill you"....they are likely to be replaced in pairs, and I don't drive much

the list goes on. :confused:

M.

Boxster affair
 

Great reads,
Laughed and cried. I too have the Affair. Fortunately my wife understands
2000 S speed Yellow

Additional thoughts
 

I once knew a man eighty plus years old. We both
Horseback rode. Horseback riding has certain dangers.
Anyway the gentleman's wife was always on his case
About riding. Finally she gave him a choice
It was her or riding. He chose riding. She left
But did come back after a time. I danced with
A women who's husband left her because of
Our dancing. He never came back. We're still
Very good friends. She told me she discovered
He wanted to control her, and never did love
Her. And he didn't want her to enjoy the things
She enjoyed. We all make choices.

I have found if I don't do something
That is important and I enjoy (the boxster)
I always remember it and ask what if.
Enjoy the boxster. I plan on using my
Except in the worst of weather year round.

In the spring or sooner. Tell your wife
The Porsche needs driven. I'am going to Starbucks.
You want to come ?

Good luck,

Bill

I knew it might benefit me to "seek some guidance" from those who know. Thanks bill. :) I am sure this is something that one just has to "work through" I would have taken you up on the Starbucks offer but I already went out this morning for one and took the completely unnecessary route with the winding up and down S curve on the way. But with no passenger there's no one or nothing to hold the cup except me. :rolleyes: I have simply adapted with a better coffee tumbler :dance:

Your car sure looks clean. I have the same tires on my 996. they're nice and quiet with decent grip. I bought my car off my bucket list and have not looked back - 5 months and 6000 miles later.

Just wait until the wife wants a Porsche of her own.
Now mine hardly ever lets me drive "her" 996 Targa

I have the same wheels and absolutely love them, it took me a year to find a nice used set so consider yourself lucky that they came with the car! I bought a little brush from Walmart that fits perfectly between the openings and I use Griots wheel cleaner. Spray it on, let it sit a few minutes then follow up with the brush and a soft car wash sponge. I get mine done rather quickly and the wheels make it all worth it every time I stare at them;)

Get a pair of these cup holders BMW Cup Holders, Porsche Cup Holders, Ultimate Cup Holder - Cupholders / Drink Holders for BMW 3 5 7 Series, Boxster 911 Z4 Mercedes Audi NSX other fine cars. They are a little expensive but well worth it! I just got back from Starbucks:cheers:

Your wife is probably thinking mid life you know what. She thinks you are going to run off with some 20 year old with your gold chains etc:rolleyes: Take the advice of joining PCA and go to some events. There are usually happy hour events, lunch and of course driving events. She will soon see that Porsche people are just normal people who have a strong love of their cars. She will meet some great people including women who also love their cars. My wife was not happy at first either, now she says "let's go for a drive!" She loves the sound of the exhaust when ever we go through a tunnel, as do I:D

Good luck and welcome to the forum! There is a lot of excellent information and advice here and the people are great!

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1419265904.jpg

Cupholders and beverages along with grub are a no no in my Porsche. Not worth the risk of soiling the interior.

Trust zee Germans. Since the car has no cup holders I keep drinks out of the car.

For sure no food...and I try to finish the coffee before getting back in the car. Plus, it's a long reach up to the window when going through the drive through ;)

The interior is indeed in good nick. I did have to spend several hours on the seats, but got them into nice condition also. In all of my other cars I have seemed to develop a "pile of stuff" accumulated throughout the interior of the car. In this one, the only thing ever in the car is my pair of sunglasses. Strange?

I noticed the sport classic 18" wheels And PS2's were a pricy option..they have probably been refurbed at some point as they are remarkably fresh. I got a nice brush for them too, but washing weekly they don't get too filthy. There is the downside of no more automatic washing..no worries, the do it yourself one is closer.

Of course I would like to get rid of the amber lenses, replace center caps, and a whole bunch of other stuff, but it would be wise for me to keep some humility about these things for a while I think. Love your rides..keep them coming.

[QUOTE=BruceH;429147]

Your wife is probably thinking mid life you know what. She thinks you are going to run off with some 20 year old with your gold chains etc:rolleyes: Take the advice of joining PCA and go to some events. There are usually happy hour events, lunch and of course driving events. She will soon see that Porsche people are just normal people who have a strong love of their cars. She will meet some great people including women who also love their cars. My wife was not happy at first either, now she says "let's go for a drive!" She loves the sound of the exhaust when ever we go through a tunnel, as do I:D

Good luck and welcome to the forum! There is a lot of excellent information and advice here and the people are great!


Thanks, and,


That's exactly what she's thinking. Still causing problems for myself as the cdr 210 was blown when I got it, and I just got a salvaged replacement one in the mail today from Woodie here on the forums--thanks Woodie, works great--This package arrived to a rather different "reception" from the two differing parties in the household. Maybe there IS a Santa?! And I think he goes by Woodie...either way, my once quiet cockpit now has tunes for the first time since I got it. :dance:

A simple run out for milk and water yesterday turned into taking "the scenic route" about 10 miles out into the country on winding, empty country roads to test things out, including the newly installed CDR 210.

I see many saying how below standard the mid level sound package is. Can't say it's either awful or awesome. Wondered how bad it could be with an amp in there? In the end, I am glad I went with the OEM setup. Although it isn't fantastic, it was cheap, and took me less than 5 minutes to put a new one in with no fitment issues. The engine is still the point of focus :D

Funny how I have run into a whole bunch of guys in Japanese cars who want to see how they 'stack up to the Boxster' off the line at a stop light??

[QUOTE=Wulf190;429427] I've been slowly upgrading my Boxster since I bought it. Over the course of seven-plus years of ownership I've had several packages arrive at the house to a reaction of "What did you buy now?" Fortunately, I'm usually able to sell the part I'm taking off to someone else on one of the boards or through Craigslist. So, the net cost of the upgrades is usually not too bad.

Regarding the sound quality of the OEM stereo, many people tear out everything and start over. However, replacing the dash speakers will make a big difference without a huge cost. So, I recommend that you search on the term "dash speaker" and find out what other people tried. You can always upgrade the other components later and your investment in the dash speakers won't be wasted.

I bought a pair of the OEM clip on cup holders that go into the side vents. The first, and only, time I used one I had a tall cup of Starbucks, with one of their carry out lids on it, and hit a pothole. At least a quarter cup of the coffee came out of the drink hole and landed in my lap. I bought a pair of the "Ultimate Cup Holders" and now only water comes into my car and it's down on the floor where it can only get the carpet wet if anything happens.

Only 10 miles?
Dude, you're just not trying hard enough.
Pour what's left of that jug of milk down the sink and try to go at least 35-40 miles for th next one. :D

[QUOTE=KevinH1990;429671] Lol, was about to post the old cdr unit up for an eBay parts auction. ;)

I will probably install a set of alpines in the dash speakers later, when it's top down weather and better sound is required. Nice that 4" speakers arent crazy expensive.


Steve, I like the thinking there:o I went with my wife on a 56 mile journey today in the SUV and the whole time I am thinking how much better it would be in the car :(

Luv2, I "had a bad experience once" involving a cup of Starbucks, a lap and an inadequate lid installation. I would like to unremember it. I sort of like having the car be so unfriendly to unwanted intrusion of food and drink. Saw a nice 911 in the McDonalds drive thru on Tuesday and went kind of :barf:

You would assume those that are picky enough about their cars wouldn't join the Durango crowd at a food venue like Micky D's

[QUOTE=Wulf190;429731] My motto with the parts I take off is "One man's trash is another man's treasure."

There are a lot of aging Boxsters out there that would benefit from some gently used items. Provide as much information about the condition as you can and be reasonable with the price and you might be pleasantly surprised. I understand that your CDR may not be working, but someone may be able to use your faceplate to replace a scratched or damaged one on his or her unit.

I thought about opening the head unit up to see if anything was immediately apparent. The On button would light up, but the moment the faceplate was installed, it would blow the radio fuse (B2) in the box...so it's shorted out somewhere inside there as the new one works as it should. Unsure if opening it up would get me any further than a chance to break stuff even worse or not, especially since my electrical testing skill set is not well developed. :confused: I wouldn't be able to tell what to fix unless there were an obvious brown toasty sign of electrical short or broken connection somewhere. That kind of fix isn't so user friendly.

I guess if I bought the car new and paid the "retail" price, I would be a bit more anal about food / drinks in the car. I wonder if you guys would be as strict if it was a newer Accord or S2000 instead of a "Porsche", both of which would be more expensive than what your average used 986 might cost. Don't get me wrong, I think the 986 is a great value and a great car which is why I own one, though sometimes I wonder if some might baby it a bit more because of the badge.

Congrats on the purchase btw.

I bought a new accord once, and even new it got eaten in/on. :rolleyes:

Taking the advice posted earlier, I took a longer "diversion" on today's trip to the store........I am beginning to get the hang of this now...Took advantage of a couple of empty, very tight expressway ramps. I kind of fear how fast the thing could really go through those, but it once again proved how willing it is to ask you to try...so I gave it my best shot.

In discovery mode, I looked over the option codes today and found out the wheels were designated as turbo twists, so they were either a dealer or PO add on.

I have an OBD tool that I have been meaning to hook up to get some data on the engine, but I have no laptop and am a Mac user..:( so may have to snag a laptop from someone

Also need to get rid of the airbag light with the OBD tool until I can grab a set of seat belt setups which seems to be the cause of it from checking around.

Airbag light is really common on these cars, clear the code and it should stay gone.

Awesome. Good to know. I have been going after all the little things on it..replaced headlight bulb, radio, wiper blades, lots of polishing and cleaning exterior/interior, replacing lost tools and manuals, etc. Just things that don't cost a ton and bring up the value of the car. I am the 3rd owner and it has a clean car fax, but not a ton of service history with it, which helped make it affordable for me. I had driven a few before this one, so had a decent idea of what to look for and what it would take to satisfy me. My browsing order was as follows:

03 Base model, black on black, 35K miles asking 15K for @ dealer: The one that started me down this path. Great car, one owner, but more than I could come up with to make it happen.

00 S model, ocean blue metallic on gray int., 65K miles, everything done on it with full service history, great owner. A fantastic driver, and easily the fastest and most powerful of the versions I drove. 14K @ private owner. I grew to love the blue exterior color

01 Base model, black on black, 21K miles, like new, one owner, 15K...too much dough I thought.

99 Base model, burgundy wine on gray, 65K miles, had a couple of problems pop up when browsing at it, so it kind of knocked itself out of consideration. Nice car, good condition, but wrong color for me and not optioned up too highly. Regular wear for a car it's age.

After these, I arrived finally at mine....the cheapest and slowest of all of the above options except the last one maybe. But, as this one had the wheels, was in great condition and had a few small things I knew I could bring up to speed to improve it's value over time, I figured this one was everything I could want....and it has proven to be exactly that. :dance:

Wife has shown ZERO signs of softening on this stance. She is going hard on the "it needs to have 4 seats." Also mentioning "it would be nice if the top would come down also." I am not onboard with her ideas. I told her that in order for me to get that done with little money, I am going to have to find a better deal on a better car and that is NOT going to be easy to do. Also said that if she didn't like my first choice, that she is highly unlikely to like my second choice either. Seeing how this might actually be an opportunity to explore the market further, I DID look at a few other cars that might satisfy her.

Yesterday took a look at an '04, 86K mile BMW 325i 'vert. Like new condition, very nice car..and to trade, the number he tossed out there was....check this.... 6 GRAND!! I laughed and said 'no way' since I was at an even swap in my head. I have a sneaking feeling that's about where every dealer would be on a car that I would consider swapping for. Thus, this would be a 'sell it myself' decision then and would take some time. Just the fact that I looked might helped to alleviate some of the pressure, but she really hates that car (more that I just went out and bought it against her wishes). Maybe a different Boxster?? Who knows, but swapping this thing out for something else goes against every notion in my body at this time, and checking into it further seems to confirm exactly why that would be a terrible decision to me, and actually confirms the decision I made in the first place. I'm not in a spot to throw more money out the door on something that isn't even close to as good as this car, and it would upset me more to do that....pointless. So, I am like "WTFing-ever?" and keep driving and looking for a 99 Carrerra Cab...possibly the ONLY thing that will satisfy us both, and thats a long shot...but if you've got a 99 cab and feel like you want a nice Boxster, I will listen. :confused:

You can get 996s cheap, but if your wife is okay with a 996 there is no way she shouldn't be okay with a boxster. It's too cold for top down right now anyways. The rear seats in the 911 can only fit amputees. You would be happy with a 911 but it's more money for not much more car, and anything non porsche will really disappoint you at this point and likely please the wife even less. No convertible is really as practicle as the boxster, and most alternatives are mechanical nightmares.

Thank you Jake. I am beginning to see that with some looking. I also remember that I have driven the 2000 911 and, yes, nice car, but I liked the Boxster more I have to say. I think it will work out eventually, but it sure is difficult in the mean time.

That said, it snowed last night and I had to take my trusty steed to work this morning with the temp being -4 when I left. First time in extreme conditions perhaps. Roads were plowed and mostly clear of ice, but had some patches, and with the tires that cold, I was curious to see what kind of limitations that would put on it. I figured it would be pretty much as disabled as a Mustang or other similar car knowing others statements about this. Definitely it isn't good...but--as it has done so far in all other things--it does better than I thought it would. It gets me the 8 minutes to work and back despite that it might be frowning at me the whole time between warm up to shut down. Today was about as bad as it would get and still have to go to work in it. Anything more and I think I'm carpooling it. :o

I love to restore old cars, my wife had wanted a light blue convertible since she was 16 and her dad wouldn't let her buy one from a neighbor. I ran across a 90 Mustang GT convert that needed paint and some interior work. I dragged it home and told her I would build her a light blue convertible. Since than she's never given me a hard about whatever I drag home. I've done a 85 380SL and just got my first Porsche, a 98 986. I'm loving it so far, next year will be my first full summer with it.

Moral of the story, take care of momma first! :cool:

Thanks for commenting Ray. I had a 66 Mustang in high school that my dad and I restored. I loved that car. I owned it 8 years and sold it for twice of what I paid for it. So, I am similar in my interests and endeavors perhaps. One would think that might help to provide me some experience in dealing with the specific-interest type car..but, that's been pretty fairly dismissed by the significant other.

I know that wife simply does not want to 'validate the invalid', which would be to accept that it was--in the first place--ok to get rid of the car that is a money hole with no return and go against the 'rational, agreed-upon, keep throwing money at it" solution. The fact that the 986 looks like it's going 100mph just sitting there is just kind of fuel to continue this pathology. Forgiveness/acceptance might be a 50/50 proposition at best, but would be greatly accelerated if she would simply go for a ride.

I see that you are in Chicago. If you feel like a drive down Archer Ave. through the woods in Palos, or elsewhere sometime, just hit me up. :cheers:

Mike

What get's more practical than having TWO trunks?! :D

Since purchase in July, I have been daily driving my Boxster. Living in El Paso, Tx the weather is what I like to call bi-polar. The sun will be out and it's 95 degrees and within hours it'll be extremely windy and raining! Needless to say, good ol' Snow White handles everything like a champ, I have had absolutely no problems!

I am a teenager so my vision of practicality might not carry any weight on your decision making process. However, I must say my Boxster has proven to be just as practical as any other car I've driven - if not more... with one exception: The lack of cup holders! but as BIGjake111 said "Trust zee Germans!". I like to think that here in the US the cup holders are likely going to be used to carry a beverage from a fast food joint(namely soda) - and the lack of them often detracts me from going and scooping up fast food as it's a pain driving stick with a soda in-between your legs... And in the rare chance that I do go, I'll get a bottled water to save me the trouble. So I can truthfully argue the point that my Boxster has helped me lead a more healthy lifestyle. ;)

Bottom line - DO NOT LET YOUR BOX GO! Hahaha, I hope your wife will cave soon and appreciate the little marvel. Cheers! :cheers:

Porsche obviously frowns on people snacking in their cars. I think there are two reasons:

1. If you have ever been in a car where the occupants have spilled drinks and left crumbs and food wrappers it is messy. If you have ever been to Germany, you know the Germans liker order.
2. It detracts from the driving experience. Snacking while driving a Porsche would be like going on a date with a beautiful woman and spending your time reading texts.